WICKED Tour Hosts 'Our 'Wicked, Wicked Ways' BC/EFA Benefit, 8/23

On Monday, August 23, the national touring company of Wicked will host "Our Wicked, Wicked Ways," an evening of cabaret performances. Held at AXIS Nightclub, the event will feature performances from the company's cast and crew with the net proceeds benefitting BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS.

Produced by company members, the evening is an opportunity for them to step out of their Wicked roles and perform in other forms of music, dance, and comedy. Co-hosted by Columbus' own Nina West, the evening will feature Chandra Lee Schwartz (Glinda), Richard Kline (The Wizard), Richard H. Blake (Fiyero), and Mariand Torres (Elphaba standby), as well as members of the ensemble and touring staff. In addition, there will be a silent auction of several items including Wicked memorabilia, and a live auction with opportunities to bid on backstage tours and a walk-on role in Wicked. The musical is now playing the Ohio Theatre through August 29. Tickets to performances of Wicked are available at www.capa.com/wicked.

Tickets to "Our Wicked, Wicked Ways" are available online at www.columbusnightlife.com, by phone at 614-421-2233, or in person at Union Café (782 N. High St.). General admission is $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Table seating is available for $25 ($99 for a table of 4), or $30 at the door. A full bar will be available. Admission to Axis is 18 and over. Under 18 are admitted only with parent or guardian. While all are welcome, the evening is intended for mature audiences, and parental discretion is advised.

"Our Wicked, Wicked Ways" is part of an ongoing series of performances by the national touring company to support charitable causes which advance Wicked's theme of acceptance and illuminate the musical's message that people should not be judged on first impressions. The company believes that in these divisive times we must come together to support those in need throughout the country and around the world. In its five years on the road, the company has raised well over $1 million in donations for BROADWAY CARES/EQUITY FIGHTS AIDS and local AIDS service organizations all over the country.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) is the nation's leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fund raising and grant making organization. BC/EFA is the on-going, committed response from the American theater community to an urgent worldwide health crisis. By drawing upon the talents, resources and generosity of this community, BC/EFA raises funds for AIDS-related causes across the United States. Since its founding in 1988, BC/EFA has raised over $150 million for critically needed services for people with AIDS, HIV, and other serious illnesses. www.broadwaycares.org.